FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/01 - CHAD (6 November)
After generally above-average precipitation in September, rains ceased in the Sahelian zone in early October and in the Sudanian zone in late October. Pastures are abundant. Prospects for sorghum recession crops are good. A joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission which visited the country in mid-October estimated the aggregate output of cereals at a record level of 1 237 250 tonnes, 33 percent above the previous year's level and 15 percent above average.
As a result of this anticipated good harvest, the food supply situation will improve, notably in the deficit areas of the Sahelian zone affected by poor crops in 2000. Prices of cereals decreased significantly in September and October. However, about 143 000 people have been identified as at risk of food difficulties following flooding in areas of the Sudanian zone which caused damage to houses and about 144 000 hectares of farm land. An influx of expellees from Lybia and population displacement from Tibesti are reported in the north. During the lean season, a WFP Emergency Operation provided 27 000 tonnes of food aid to 375 000 beneficiaries in eight departments of the Sahelian zone.